And make disciples of all nations. Especially the nations in your backyards! 

Mission accomplished, Clarksville! The countless hours and work you have put in have truly paid off in amazing ways. In all, 25 homes were worked on, more than 30 souls were won to the Lord, and countless lives were changed. The community of Clarksville has a lot to thank you for, and the effects of your witness will continue to echo through the town for years. You truly made the first World Changers Clarksville one to remember. 

The staff is beyond proud and amazed with your work ethic and attitude this week. You made an impact on more people than you know, from the smallest child to the oldest senior adult. The model you showed was truly one of Christ, a servant minded leadership that shows the world that you are ready for a change in the world, and that you want to see Christ exalted among the nations. After seeing your work this week, we are certain that that day is closer and closer.

Thank you for an amazing week that we will never forget. We hope the same for you, and we hope that you know we are praying for your continued mission in the fields around your homes and schools, and in your families. Remember that with Christ all things are possible, and we will see you next year! Keep on changing the world!

As the week winds down in Clarksville, things could not be going any better. Construction Coordinator Leon Hays and Project Coordinator Philip Robinson both agree that all sites, including those started by crews that finished early, should be finished by Friday evening. This prospect is truly a reason to celebrate, and Thursday night’s worship service was indeed that. 

A night of missions-oriented worship concluded a long day of work for the students of Clarksville. After putting in a grueling post-off night day of work, the students came back to worship to remind themselves of their purpose here in Clarksville, and to get the push of energy needed to end out the week victoriously. Leon Hays, construction coordinator, gave a brief testimony of God’s grace and work in his life, and how missions for God’s people in Kenya has, and will soon, take the forefront of his life. This moving testimony challenged the congregation to really put their own mission fields into perspective, and realize that not only are they on mission here in Clarksville, TN, but that they are also on mission when they get home. It is amazing to see the response from God’s people when their hearts are pricked for those in need of salvation – as many of the students showed up to the missions roundtable tonight to learn more about what they can do for the kingdom of God where they are right now.

One more day left, a million more souls to touch. A simple smile and kind word can do miracles, if only we are open to love those around us. We are excited for what God has in store for the last day of work in Clarksville, Tennessee. 

“…take everything I am. I’m clay within your hands. I will go, I will go, send me.”

“I’d rather have this group working on my house than any professional construction company,” said a homeowner after discussing the attitudes and work ethic of the crew that is roofing his home this week. His attitude is shared by many of the homeowners that are being served by students this week around Clarksville. As the second full day of work draws to an end, we have nothing but smiles and good attitudes in the halls of Richview Middle School. Stories of salvations, of being pushed and pulled out of comfort zones, and excitement about worship are spilling from the mouths of the participants everywhere you go this evening. 

Tonight was one of the students most favorite nights of the week – the concert of prayer. The night of intimate worship began and ended with tough prayer, and had elements of confessions and thanksgiving throughout. A large cross constructed by some of the project’s group leaders was the centerpoint, as many students had the opportunity to confess their struggles and sins on paper, and watch as Christ took away those sins as they were nailed to the cross – a live reminder of Christ’s suffering for our sins. Many students experienced a deeper level with God tonight, one that many of them have never had an opportunity to experience, and the change to share those moments with their brand new family members at the project is an exciting aspect that not many get to have. The night was a success. More than 1,600 dollars were raised for missions, and there is excitment in the air about missions and opportunities to serve beyond World Changers this week.

A fitting middle of the week it has been, as the crews have worked very hard to get progress on their various sites. The staff is beyond proud of what these young men and women have been able to accomplish in only two days, and we look forward to seeing the final results at the end of the week. We can rest knowing that the homeowners will be more than overjoyed with the work that has been performed for them by these volunteers. 

Tomorrow is a half day, and the churches have latter half of the day off to spend resting and enjoying the sites of Clarksville and neighboring Nashville. Hopefully the ministry will not stop just because we are not on roofs tomorrow, but we hope the students will get a chance to share their faith with those in the city as they have a fun day of rest. 

Things are going swimmingly in Clarksville, and we can only hope that they are going well where you are! 

Talk to you soon!

Today the city of Clarksville will be overtaken with around 230 youth from different areas of the country…the reason? World Changers. The coordinating team and summer staff are anticipating the arrival of the participants. A great deal of time and work has gone into preparing the city of Clarksville for what they are about to experience. Those preparing are none other than the excellent coordinating staff: Project Coordinator- Philip Robinson, Construction Coordinator- Leon Hays, Associational Coordinator-Wally Vinson, and Agency Representative- Rita Arancibia. Also, the summer staff is excited to welcome the church groups and get the project started! Your Music Leader is Brad Bartlett from Kansas City, MO. Also from Missouri is Jillian McCoy who will serve as your Office Manager. You can ask Ryen Stevens any questions you have about missions; she will be your Missions Communications Specialist this week. When you see the video camera coming…smile big for Zach Allen who is your Audio Visual Technician.

The participants will be staying at Richview Middle School in Clarksville, TN. The facility is more than equipped to provide the needs for the students and is excited about hosting this year World Changers! Get ready Clarksville… we’re going to change your world!

The churches joining us this week are:

Union Baptist

Wooley Springs Baptist

Walnut Street Baptist

Mt. Vernon Baptist

Shady Grove Baptist

Polkville Baptist

North Fork Baptist

Bethel Baptist

FBC Fairmont

FBC Brookport

Heflin Baptist

Highland Park Baptist